Justice Jimmy Blacklock, a conservative ally of Gov. Greg Abbott, has been named the new chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court.

Blacklock is replacing retired Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, while Abbott's legal adviser James Sullivan takes the open spot on the bench.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts warned on Tuesday that the United States must continue to uphold "judicial independence."

Abbott originally appointed Blacklock to the high court as the Place 2 justice in 2018. Abbott's general counsel James Sullivan will replace Blacklock as a new justice.

Abbott appointed Justice Jimmy Blacklock to serve as chief justice on the Supreme Court of Texas, the governor's office announced Monday.